A Moment

It's 12:23 am on December 23. I just walked the puppy and now am lying on the couch with her so that she will calm down and go back to sleep. 

I should go to bed. 

I know that Chester will have me up in less than 5 hours so that she doesn't die of starvation 

I should go to bed. 

I have cookies to bake and errands to run and presents to wrap tomorrow. Today. 

I should go to bed. 

But the lights. The glow of Christmas lights fills me with peace and wonder and serenity. I am alone with my puppy and my two cats and my thoughts. 

I don't want to go to sleep. 

Tomorrow will be chaos. 

I want to enjoy the lights.